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Woodley: I've spoken to GSP and he wants to fight me

Jon P. Kopaloff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The pieces are falling into place for a potential bout between newly crowned welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and the man who ruled the division for years.

With a knockout win of Robbie Lawler under his metaphorical belt and an actual UFC belt around his waist, Woodley was emboldened to challenge both Nick Diaz and Georges St-Pierre in the days following his title triumph at UFC 201 this past Saturday.

Woodley took to his "Morning Wood" podcast on Tuesday to narrow his choice down to GSP and according to Woodley they've spoken and agreed to a possible meeting in the near future.

"I've already spoken to the lineal champion, the No. 1 welterweight, pound-for-pound one of the greatest in the sport. His interest is fighting me," Woodley said, according to Jonathan Bradley of FOX Sports. "Georges St-Pierre wants to fight me. And guess what? I want to fight him."

Woodley's interest in the bout is not strictly monetary, though there are few opponents he could ask for that would yield a bigger payday than St-Pierre. More important for Woodley appears to be the opportunity to prove that he belongs among the all-time greats himself.

"There's honor in it," Woodley said. "If I'm going to put it on the line, risk it, I want to know that I at least had the opportunity to prove to myself that I am the best welterweight to ever grace the damn Octagon, and if he's going to give me that chance, I can give a hell less (about what people are saying)."

St-Pierre has teased coming out of retirement multiple times, going as far to say that he is currently in negotiations with the UFC. He has not competed since a split-decision win over Johny Hendricks in November 2013, but according to texts sent to journalist Ariel Helwani, he and Woodley are on the same page.

"Georges St-Pierre definitely wants to fight me," Woodley said. "I’ve had a conversation with Georges St-Pierre. He's interested in the bout, and we're going to make the bout happen."

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